Compassionate Women’s Healthcare in the Mat-Su Valley

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To our patients

Provider-Managed Medical Weight Loss

Weight loss is a complex journey, and if you have struggled to lose weight in the past, you are not alone. Science shows us that weight management is about much more than just willpower; it involves genetics, hormones, metabolism, and your environment.

Provider-managed medical weight loss is a comprehensive, science-backed approach. Rather than relying on fad diets, you work directly with a healthcare professional to create a personalized plan. This plan combines the foundational pillars of lifestyle changes with medical tools, such as prescription medications, to help your body work with you, rather than against you.

Lifestyle Modifications

The Foundation
Medications are powerful tools, but they are most effective when paired with sustainable lifestyle changes. Your provider will help you build healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Nutrition
We focus on balanced, nutrient-dense eating rather than extreme restriction. This includes prioritizing lean proteins, fiber-rich vegetables, and healthy fats to keep you fueled and satisfied.
Physical Activity
Movement is vital for maintaining muscle mass and overall health as you lose weight.
Sleep Hygiene
Poor sleep disrupts hunger hormones and increases cravings. Improving sleep quality is a key part of successful weight management.
Stress Management
High chronic stress increases cortisol, a hormone that promotes fat storage. We will explore strategies to help you manage everyday stressors.

Weight Loss Medications

When lifestyle changes aren’t enough on their own, your provider may recommend medication

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

These medications mimic a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1. They work by sending strong "fullness" signals to your brain, reducing your appetite, and slowing down how quickly your stomach empties. Tirzepatide also mimics a second hormone (GIP) for an added effect.
Examples: Semaglutide, Tirzepatide

Best for

Patients looking for significant weight loss, those with severe cravings, or patients with weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular risks.

What to expect

They are typically administered as a once-weekly injection.

Common side effects

Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, and fatigue. These are usually mild and improve as your body adjusts to the medication.

Phentermine

Phentermine is a stimulant that works in the brain to decrease your appetite and help you feel full sooner. It can also provide a slight boost in energy.

Best for

Patients needing a short-term “jump-start” to their weight loss journey or those who struggle with constant physical hunger.

What to expect

It is taken as a daily pill. Because it is a stimulant, it is typically prescribed for short-term use (usually a few months).

Common side effects

Dry mouth, jitteriness, trouble sleeping, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure.

Metformin

While primarily a diabetes medication, metformin is often used "off-label" for weight loss. It improves how your body responds to insulin (reducing insulin resistance) and lowers the amount of sugar produced by your liver.

Best for

Patients who have insulin resistance, prediabetes, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Weight loss is generally more modest compared to GLP-1s or phentermine.

What to expect
It is a daily oral pill. It is very safe for long-term use.
Common side effects
Upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea. Taking the medication with food and using an extended-release version often resolves these issues.

What to Expect from Your Provider

In a provider managed weight loss program, you are never doing this alone. Your provider will:

Perform a Comprehensive Evaluation
This includes reviewing your medical history, current medications, and running lab work to identify any underlying issues (like thyroid disorders).
Customize Your Plan
Taking into account your current life stage, co-morbidities, hormones, biology, goals, and budget, your provider will recommend a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.
Monitor Your Progress
You will have regular check-ins to track your weight loss, monitor your blood pressure, manage any medication side effects, and adjust your dosages as needed. It is important to understand that these check-ins are mandatory to continue with weight loss medication.